Friday, December 08, 2006

Date-Oat Quick Bread

Lately I've been thinking a lot about my trip to New Orleans this past summer. While I was there I was really taken in by the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of that wonderful little City. I'm so happy to say that I am planning on going back again this summer, and I will be taking CB with me. I love traveling for work, I love the fact that my job gives me the opportunity to experience things that I might not have the chance to do on my own. I had wanted to go to New Orleans for so long, and I am so happy that I finally got the chance to go, and I'm even more psyched that I get to go back again and this time experience it in a different way with CB.

My neighbor from my old condo came over to my house a little while ago to return a pie plate. When she returned the plate, she brought it back heaping and overflowing with dates. I had never once cooked or baked with dates so I was at a loss for what to make with them. A little searching on the internet, and then a perusal through The Guide to U.S. Southern Cuisine yielded this recipe. Now, it's not exactly bourbon pecan bread pudding, but it does have a little of that flavor that I experienced when I went south this summer. Enjoy.

Recipe:
2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup quick rolled oats
1 package (8 ounces) dates, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cups milk
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl; add sugar. Stir in oats and dates. In a separate small bowl, beat egg with milk; stir in melted butter and vanilla. Add to flour mixture and stir until evenly moist.

Pour mixture into a greased 9 X 5 X 3-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center. Once the loaf has cooled, wrap and store overnight for best flavor.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks delicious! Between this and your tart tatin my heart hesitates...I'll take both! Nice shots!

Anonymous said...

Ooh, this looks great! Did you use fresh or dried dates?

wheresmymind said...

I love dates...one day I'm so making bread with 'em! Yours looks totally fab!

JB said...

I used dried dates, and it gave it a really concentrated sweetness.